Why the 'Run for the Roses' is so special - CNN.com Why the 'Run for the Roses' is so special By Alysen Miller, CNN Updated 11:32 AM ET, Fri May 4, 2012 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby Crowd pleaser – Last year's champions -- jockey John Valazquez atop Animal Kingdom -- celebrate winning the 137th Kentucky Derby. The race is known as the "Run for the Roses," after the garland of flowers draped on the winner. Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby Rosey characters – From demure to downright wacky, punters at the race come in all forms, with many donning a traditional rose. Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby Triple test – Kentucky is the first leg in the Triple Crown, the other two legs being the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Only 11 horses have ever completed the treble, the most recent of which was Affirmed (pictured) in 1978.

Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby History set in stone – A statue of the first horse to win the derby, Aristides in 1875, now stands at Churchill Downs. African-Americans have played an integral role in the history of the race, with the first won by jockey Oliver Lewis and trainer Ansel Williamson, who was a freed slave. Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby Fans flock – Aristides won in front of an estimated crowd of 10,000. Almost 140 years later, more than 100,000 people are expected to flock to Churchill Downs for a chance to be a part of America's oldest continuous sporting event. Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby High fashion – From roses to feathers, the race is just as well known for its fashion as its horses. Once a year, the international racing set descends on Louisville, clogging the skies over the city with private jets.

Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby Playful punters – While the jetset sip Mint Juleps from air-conditioned boxes, college students on spring break pack the infield. Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: History of the Kentucky Derby Two minutes that stop a nation – The Kentucky Derby may be an international event, but it still has a very local flavor. Outside of the Derby and the Oaks -- the fillies-only race that takes place the day before -- most of the racing here is low-grade. Hide Caption America's Kentucky Derby horse race will take place on Saturday Known as the "Run of the Roses" after the garland of flowers draped over winners It dates back to 1875, where African-American jockey and trainer won the first race Despite its international standing, the race keeps its unique local flavor The Kentucky Derby is, without a doubt, America's most iconic horse racing event.

England has Royal Ascot, and Australians flock to the Melbourne Cup, but few meetings capture the spirit of a nation quite like the "Run for the Roses." So named for the garland of roses that is draped over the winner, the Kentucky Derby traces its rich history back to 1875 when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Junior decided to inaugurate a race in his home state of Kentucky. Clark -- grandson of William Clark of the historic 19th century Lewis and Clark transcontinental expedition -- had been influenced by a visit to England's Epsom Derby. Indeed, the Kentucky Derby was originally run over a distance of 1.5 miles -- the same distance as the Epsom event -- before being shortened to its present 1.25 miles in 1896. The Kentucky Derby is also the first leg in the venerable Triple Crown, the other two legs being the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Considered one of the sternest tests in thoroughbred racing, only 11 horses have ever completed the treble, the most recent of which was Affirmed back in 1978.

Jockey Borel's Kentucky Derby addiction As the years stretch to decades, the search for that elusive champion capable of following in Affirmed's footsteps intensifies. A few have come close: in the last decade War Emblem, Funny Cide, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex and Big Brown have all come within one victory. JUST WATCHED 3 of 4 Photos: Calvin Borel's Kentucky Derby challenge 'The Paint Stripper' – Borel also crossed the finish line first on Super Saver in 2010. The sight of him hugging the rail is so familiar that fans know him as "Calvin Bo-Rail" -- while Kentucky Derby race caller Mark Johnson has nicknamed him "The Paint Stripper." Hide Caption 4 of 4 It's a far cry from the 1970s, arguably the races' heyday, when the Triple Crown was won three times -- by Affirmed, Seattle Slew and the great Secretariat. The enormous chestnut affectionately known as "Big Red" is probably the most famous winner of the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat was the first horse to win the race in under two minutes, and his record of 1:59.40 still stands today.

He became a national celebrity, gracing the covers of Time and Newsweek, following his commanding performances in all three races. His 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes ranks as one of the finest displays of sporting perfection by any athlete -- human or non-human -- in the 20th century. Secretariat's dominance in 1973 eclipsed the achievements of one of the sleekest, fastest thoroughbreds ever to grace a racetrack. Had he been born in any other year, Sham would have taken his rightful place among the sport's greats. His sub-two-minute time in defeat to Secretariat is still the second-fastest Kentucky Derby ever run. But while Secretariat has joined the ranks of the immortals, Sham is a mere footnote in history. African-Americans have played an integral role in the history of the Derby; indeed, the very first race was won by an African-American jockey (Oliver Lewis) and an African-American trainer (Ansel Williamson).

In an era when African-Americans were still barred from participating in most mainstream sports (it would be more than 60 years before Jackie Robinson made his ground-breaking debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers), African-American jockeys went on to dominate the early years of the Derby, winning 15 of the first 28 races. That very first Derby was won by Aristides in front of an estimated crowd of 10,000. Nearly 140 years later, more than 100,000 people are expected to flock to Churchill Downs this weekend for a chance to be a part of America's oldest continuous sporting event. These days, Kentucky shares its Derby with the world. But it remains, in essence, very local in flavor. The hulking Churchill Downs with its famous twin spires is still imposing, but is showing its age. Outside of the Derby and the Oaks (the fillies-only race that takes place the day before the Derby), most of the racing here is low-grade. Louisville is not a rich town, unlike its well-heeled neighbor Lexington. If the venue feels a little frayed around the edges, that's because racing here is not a glamorous affair.

Once a year, the international racing set descends on Louisville, clogging the skies over the city with private jets. Outrageously-plumed racegoers sip Mint Juleps from air-conditioned boxes while college students on spring break pack the infield. But when the renowned "fastest two minutes in sport" are up, the carnival will move on and racing will return to the people of Louisville. Kentucky has been the custodian of the world's most emblematic race for more than 100 years, and will continue to preserve its unique traditions for many years to come. It doesn't get more authentic than this. What Is Kentucky Derby? 5 Facts About The Prestigious Horse Race - Hollywood Life 19 Photos It’s known as ‘the most exciting two minutes in sport’ and it’s steeped in tradition! The Kentucky Derby gets underway on May 7 at 6.34 p.m. EST with 20 horses vying for the $2 million cash prize. But what do you know about the run for the roses? Click here for 5 fun facts of the great race! We can’t wait!

The Kentucky Derby , one of America’s most famous horse races , takes place on May 7 as 20 horses fight to be first past the post. With a $2 million purse up for grabs for the winner, it’s a huge event for the trainers and owners involved . But how much do you know about the event ? Let HollywoodLife.com enlighten you with some interesting facts! 1. What horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby? The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds that run one and a quarter miles at Churchill Downs. The colts and geldings carry 126 pounds and fillies, who weigh-in at 121 pounds. 2. So why is it called the run for the roses? That’s very simple . The Kentucky Derby is known as the run for the roses for a reason. The winner is draped in a blanket of roses. How nice is that?! 3. What does the Kentucky Derby mean? It is famously known as the first leg of the American Triple Crown, and is followed by the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky has also been run every year since 1875.

Join Amazon Prime For Free – Thousands of Movies & Shows Anytime 4. Who won last year? Last year American Pharaoh was the victor , romping home past the posts for victory. That was the start of him famously winning the triple crown and becoming the most cherished horse in America! Run for the Roses Run for the Roses April 30, 2014 The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest horse races in the United States and marks the first race of three that make up the Triple Crown. Do you know the name of the Texas horse that won the Triple Crown? Did you know that the Library has many resources about thoroughbred horses? The Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the United States, is also known as the Run for the Roses because of the blanket of roses placed on the neck of the winning horse. Traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, the Derby marks the first of the three races that make up the Triple Crown. The average attendance for this event draws a crowd of 150,000. Run continuously since 1875, this year marks the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby.

At a length of 1.25 miles, the Derby is run by three-year-old thoroughbreds in about 2 minutes. The record for the fastest run in the Derby was set in 1973 at 1minute 59 2/5 seconds by Secretariat. Only 11 horses have ever won the Triple Crown, which includes the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. This includes 1946 winner Assault who was foaled at King Ranch in Texas. Assault is the only Texas horse to win the Triple Crown. Use your RamPort login and Password to see Assault win the Kentucky Derby in 1946 (skip to 6:36) or learn about the life of Seabiscuit . For more about thoroughbred horses: please look at some of our great resources that can be found in the library.

The Sport of Kings: Kinship, Class, and Thoroughbred Breeding in Newmarket / SF293.T5 C338 2002 Fine Texas horses; their Pedigrees and Performance, 1830-1845 / SF335.U6 T35 1966 The Right Blood: America’s Aristocrats in Thoroughbred Racing / SF293. T5 C338 2002 The Run for the Roses | Article about The Run for the Roses by The Free Dictionary The Run for the Roses | Article about The Run for the Roses by The Free Dictionary Date of Observation: First Saturday in May Where Celebrated: Louisville, Kentucky Symbols and Customs: Fancy Hats, Mint Julep, Red Roses ORIGINS One of the top sporting events in the United States, the horse race known as the Kentucky Derby has been held at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, since 1875. It was originally modeled on England's Epsom Derby, and the stylish clothes and parties associated with the race represent a deliberate attempt to recreate the social atmosphere of the English derby.

The Kentucky Derby is unquestionably the most important social event of the year in Louisville, as evidenced by the more than 10,000 parties held there during Derby week. Kentucky has a long tradition of horse racing and horse breeding. With its relatively mild climate, rich vegetation, and bluegrass meadows, Kentucky offers the ideal environment for raising thoroughbred horses. The first horse races in the state were held in Lexington in 1787, and the first jockey club was organized ten years later. Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. established Churchill Downs (named after the family that owned the land on which the track stands) as the home of the Louisville Jockey Club, and he served as the track's president from 1875 until 1894. He offered the Kentucky Derby as part of the Churchill Downs program, confining the race to three-year-old thoroughbreds carrying weight not in excess of 126 pounds. On the day of the first Kentucky Derby, Colonel Clark gave a Derby breakfast for his friends-a custom that is still popular today.

As soon as the race is over, the owner of the winning horse is invited to a private party given by the president of Churchill Downs, where he or she sips a MINT JULEP from a special sterling silver cup decorated with a wreath of roses (see RED ROSES ) and a replica of a thoroughbred horse's shoe, authentic in every detail. The cup later becomes part of the collection of cups on display at the Downs. The race is usually run in slightly over two minutes, although in 1964, Northern Dancer was the first to win the Derby in two minutes flat. The great Secretariat, fondly known as Big Red, is still the only horse to run the Derby in less than two minutes-although only fractions of a second less. Ridden by jockey Ron Turcotte, Secretariat then went on to win the Triple Crown, which means that he also won the Belmont Stakes (run in June at Belmont Park, near New York City) and the Preakness (run in late May at the Pimlico Race Course near Baltimore). Only a horse that has won all three races in a single year, as Secretariat did in 1973, qualifies as a Triple Crown winner.

Although the race takes only a couple of minutes, the festivities surrounding it go on for the better part of a week and include parades, a steamboat race on the Ohio River, and countless dinner parties and balls. SYMBOLS AND CUSTOMS Fancy Hats In the late 1800s, it was customary for women to wear hats while attending social events. The Kentucky Derby's early runnings were thought to be social affairs as much as sporting events, and women dressed in their finest. While ladies' dress hats are less commonplace today, the most outlandish, festooned, and adorned hats are still flaunted at the Derby. Mint Julep How the drink known as the mint julep came to be so closely associated with the Kentucky Derby is not really known. The julep has been a Kentucky tradition since before the Civil War, and most Kentuckians pride themselves on their own special recipes. The basic ingredients are fresh-picked mint, sugar, and Kentucky bourbon, served over crushed ice in a frosted silver cup or souvenir Derby glass. The drink symbolizes southern hospitality and social grace, both of which are on display throughout Derby week.

Red Roses Since 1932, it has been a Derby tradition for a group of Louisville women to sew hundreds of red rosebuds into a blanket to be worn by the winning horse. A wreath of red roses is also placed on the horse's neck in the winners' circle-an event that takes place in front of more than 150,000 spectators and over twenty million tuned in via television and radio worldwide. Both are symbolic of victory, much like the victory wreath that crowns the winner of the BOSTON MARATHON. FURTHER READING Christianson, Stephen G., and Jane M. Hatch. The American Book of Days. 4th ed. New York: H.W. Wilson, 2000. Cohen, Hennig, and Tristram Potter Coffin. The Folklore of American Holidays. 3rd ed. Detroit: Gale Research, 1999. Henderson, Helene, ed. Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary. 3rd ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2005. Shemanski, Frances. A Guide to World Fairs and Festivals.

Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1985. WEB SITES Kentucky Derby First Saturday in May The Kentucky Derby is the greatest and most glamorous horse race in America, run since 1875 in Louisville, Ky. Also known as the Run for the Roses because of the garland of roses draped on the winning horse, it is a one-and-one-quarter-mile race for three-year-old thoroughbreds and is the first race in the Triple Crown; the others are the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. The site of the race is hallowed Churchill Downs, the track known for its twin spires, built in 1895. The race is usually run in slightly over two minutes, but in 1964, Northern Dancer was the first to win the Derby in two minutes flat. In 1973, the great Secretariat, fondly known as Big Red, won in 1:59 2/5. That was the only time the Derby was raced in less than two minutes until Monarchos clocked in at 1:59.97 in 2001.

Ridden by Ron Turcotte, Secretariat then went on to take the Triple Crown, exploding from the pack to win the Belmont by an unprecedented 31 lengths. The Derby took its name from the English horse race that was started in 1780 by the 12th Earl of Derby, and Kentuckians hoped to duplicate the social panache of the Epsom Derby ( see Derby Day). They did, in a different way. The Derby became Louisville's major social occasion of the year; women to this day wear their most stylish hats to the racetrack, and there are numerous lavish Derby breakfasts and parties. Traditional food includes Kentucky ham and beaten biscuits. And, of course, the Derby wouldn't be the Derby without mint juleps, the bourbon-and-mint drink served in cold silver julep cups or in special iced commemorative glasses at the track. Parties are not confined to Louisville; throughout the country and the world, Derby parties are held to watch the race on television. Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home," the official state song, is played as the horses parade to the post, and spectators in Louisville and far away stand and sing and (sometimes) dab their eyes.

Attendance at Churchill Downs is usually 120,000 to 130,000 people—most of them watching what they can from the infield and a select few, often including royalty, from Millionaires Row high in the clubhouse. Derby Day is the finale of the 10-day Kentucky Derby Festival—a series of events that include a sternwheel steamboat race on the Ohio River, a Pegasus parade, fireworks, concerts, and a coronation ball. CONTACTS: Kentucky Derby 2014: Why is it called Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby 2014: Why is it called Run for the Roses Comment May 5, 2012; Louisville, KY, USA; Mario Gutierrez aboard I’ll Have Another is celebrates in the winner’s circle after winning the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports The 140th running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday afternoon, which means one lucky jockey and horse will cross the finish line in first place and join an elite group of thoroughbreds in the sport’s history by claiming the first leg of the Triple Crown.

The race is also known as the Run for the Roses, but how did that name come to be? The Run for the Roses term was coined because of the blanket of red roses that the winning horse is draped with following their win. The red rose became the official flower of the race back in 1904. To make the rose blanket, it takes 554 red roses and the Governor of Kentucky gets the proud honor of draping the horse with the blanket. So who will come away from today’s race covered in roses? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts and predictions. Top Stories Why The Kentucky Derby is Known as the Run for the Roses, And the Beautiful Tradition That Goes With It - Nanz and Kraft Florists Nanz and Kraft Florists Family Owned & Operated Since 1850 800-897-6551 |502-897-6551 Why The Kentucky Derby is Known as the Run for the Roses, And the Beautiful Tradition That Goes With It Posted on by David Kraft The Kentucky Derby has been an American tradition since 1875.

It’s a Grade I race for thoroughbred horses that are three years old, held every year in Louisville, Kentucky. The race, which is always held on the first Saturday in May, is the grand finale of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Even if you aren’t interested in horse racing, you may be surprised that the Kentucky Derby is commonly known as the Race of Roses. It’s a beautiful tradition that is made even more beautiful by the flowers that have played such an important role in the event since its inception. The Race of Roses, also referred to as the “Run for the Roses,” gets its name because of the very special (and very beautiful) prize that is commonly given out to the winner. A gorgeous blanket of 564 red roses is given to the winner of the Kentucky Derby at the end of each race. The tradition has been around since roughly the beginning of the race, which began in 1883. E. Berry Wall, a New York socialite of the time, gave out roses to women who attended a party after the Kentucky Derby. What makes that particular event interesting is that it was attended by the founder and president of Churchill Downs, Colonel M. Lewis Clark. Many believe that Clark witnessed E.

Berry Wall’s rose-colored gesture first hand, which led to him making the rose the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. It was several years later in 1896 that the rose began to be awarded and draped around the winner of the race. The tradition has continued every year to this day and has become one of the most important parts of the event. The rose symbolizes both the beauty of the horse in question and the massive achievement for both man and animal at the end of a stiff competition. At the end of each Kentucky Derby, the current Governor of Kentucky awards the roses to the winner along with a customary trophy. The tradition has become such an important part of the event and is so popular in general that Dan Fogelberg, popular musician and vocalist, released a song called “Run for the Roses” in 1982. It was written specifically with the event in mind and was released just in time for the running of the race that year. A number of other traditions play an important role in the race each year. The traditional beverage of the race is the mint julep and the popular dish burgoo is commonly served to those in attendance.

Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby and the Business of Horse Racing Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby and the Business of Horse Racing Run for the Roses A Multi-Billion Dollar American Tradition. The Kentucky Derby is the longest running sports event in American history. Now, a cherished pastime has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. From champions to the big business of on-line betting, the Run for the Roses has become the icon of American horse racing. CNBC Originals takes you inside the winner's circle where legends are born and millions are made. Web Extras DERBY 2016: Some dramatic finishes in the Run for the Roses DERBY 2016: Some dramatic finishes in the Run for the Roses RICHARD ROSENBLATT (AP Racing Writer) Share View photos FILE - In this May 4, 1957 file photo, Iron Liege, right, edges out Gallant Man at the finish line to win the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/File) More LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Picking the most dramatic finishes in the Kentucky Derby is all but impossible.

Arguably, each of the 141 editions has a remarkable ending, and Saturday's should be no different. From breathtaking duels to the wire (Grindstone-Cavonnier) to almost unthinkable upsets (Mine That Bird at 50-1) to completely overpowering victories (Barbaro by 6 1/2 lengths), there's good reason the Derby is often called the greatest two minutes in sports. For many, though, it's all about how the race unfolds once these 3-year-olds come hauling around the turn and into the stretch under the twin spires at Churchill Downs with 170,000 racing fans roaring at the top of their lungs. And we're off, with a handful of dramatic finishes: --- MINE THAT BIRD (2009) Four years earlier, Giacomo had pulled off a stunner at 50-1 odds, but this one seemed even more incredible. Mine That Bird barely qualified for the Derby, and little-known trainer Chip Woolley - a cast on his broken leg and all - hooked a horse trailer to his truck and drove 1,200 miles from New Mexico to Churchill Downs.

Over a sloppy track, jockey Calvin Borel weaved his horse from last place past 18 others, moved rapidly to the inside and, before race caller Tom Durkin could get the words out of his mouth, the Bird was in front by three lengths along the rail on his way to a 6 3/4-length win. .... ''Right there on the inside, coming through, Mine That Bird!'' Durkin intoned. ''In a spectacular, spectacular upset, Mine That Bird has won the Kentucky Derby! An impossible result here!'' A $2 win ticket was worth $103.20. --- GRINDSTONE (1996) For Triple Crown winning trainer Bob Baffert, this still stands as his toughest loss. Although Unbridled's Song was the 7-2 favorite and leading, it was Baffert's Cavonnier who took over with a quarter-mile to go. Meanwhile, Grindstone, under Jerry Bailey, was making a huge move from 15th place and by the time they flashed by the finish line, it was too close to call between trainer D. Wayne Lukas' Grindstone and Cavonnier. Baffert thought he won.

Lukas wasn't sure. The photo finish review took a long time. Several minutes. The nod went to Grindstone. Five days later, the colt was retired with an injury. --- IRON LIEGE (1957) Still hard to believe the great Bill Shoemaker could misjudge the finish line, causing Gallant Man an almost sure victory. But it happened. A stellar field included Bold Ruler and Round Table, but it was Gallant Man and Iron Liege dueling to the wire in the stretch. Racing neck-and-neck into deep stretch, Shoemaker stood up in the saddle to celebrate victory too early - clearly misjudging the finish line. Gallant Man briefly lost momentum, and Bill Hartack aboard Iron Liege held on to win by a neck. --- DARK STAR (1953) This was supposed to be cakewalk for Native Dancer, who came into the race with a 9-for-9 record, a 2-year-old championship and a Hose of the Year award. Known as the ''Grey Ghost'' for his striking gray coat, Native Dancer was sent off as the 7-10 favorite.

The race did not start well as Native Dancer was roughed up and dropped back under jockey Eric Guerin. Dark Star, a 24-1 long shot, led early on and remained in front into the stretch. Native Dancer was rolling by that point, closing fast, but Dark Star barely hung on and won by a head. Native Dancer went on to win the Preakness and Belmont Stakes and never lost again. He won 21 of 22 career races. --- BROKERS TIP (1933) Welcome to the fighting finish Derby, the one with the grabbing, pushing and whipping. The unbelievable events occurred in the stretch, and the lead roles were jockey Don Meade aboard Brokers Tip and Herb Fisher aboard Head Play. A stubborn Head Play would not load into the starting gate, and was allowed to begin the race from outside the gate. With mud on the track, Head Play stayed off the rail and led. Brokers Tip stayed well back, but the late-running colt was guided through an inside opening and Fisher steered Head Play toward Brokers Tip. Then the rumble began.

With their horses racing stride for stride to the finish, the jockeys grabbed each other's saddlecloths, bridles and legs. They used whips on each other, not their horses. They crossed the finish line together, flailing away. Brokers Tip was declared the winner by the racing stewards, who watched the race through binoculars. It was the only race Brokers Tip ever won. Reblog Horse Race Betting 2017 - How To Bet On The Horses See all Top Horse Racing Online Betting In the world of online gambling, racing is an activity that transcends boundaries. Old or young, professional or novice, the pursuit of riches through the process of betting on races of all kinds is something that everyone enjoys. When you log onto the top racing sites you'll often find a number of betting opportunities beyond a simple race winner prediction. Regardless of how the participants are competing, be it on horseback or automobile, there's a multitude of betting opportunities when you ante-up at our top racing sites. However, before we send you off into the world of gambling, online racing requires some careful consideration.

Although we can't guarantee that our advice will have you betting on the winner every time, we can assure you that our guide to betting on races contains all the things you need to think consider before you place a bet. In terms of betting, horse racing is divided into three main categories: flat racing, jump racing and harness racing. Each of these variants take place all year round, and which format your prefer is your choice, but as long as your study the form all of them are as popular as each other. The second thing you need to consider is the types of horse racing bets that are available to you. In general the main wagers on offer are win bets, each-way bets (where a horse can finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd and sometimes 4th) and, sometimes, multiples. Beyond this, accumulator bets require a punter to pick the winner of two, three or four plus separate races. These bets have a lot of merits in terms of potential return. However, making an accumulator bet can be dangerous because one mistake gambling online can cost you a win. Beyond these considerations, you also need to think about the quality of the horse racing platform you're using.

When you gamble online, horse racing should be just one of your focuses. Because of the nature of internet gambling, horse racing in the virtual arena also offers a host of additional money making opportunities such as bonuses, free bets and cash back on losing horses. Although all of these deals are usually seasonal, they are all markers of a high quality platform and something you need to look out for when you're gambling online at the top horse racing sites. To complete our look at the online horse racing world and to ensure you get your nose in front when the betting starts, here's a few betting tips to help you improve your prediction skills. Become the Bookie: One way to become more familiar with the odds involved in horse racing is to try and create your own. Take on the role of horse racing bookie and pick a selection of races, do your research and set your own realistic betting lines. Once you've done this, check them with the odds on the open market and see how yours compare. Going through this will enable you to know when a betting line is out of sync and worth taking. Don't Blow your Roll: When it comes to betting, horse racing can become a costly pursuit if you don't stick to your limits.

For this reason, managing your bankroll is critical to you overall success. Never wager more than 10% of your bankroll in a single session and make sure that each individual bet doesn't exceed 2% of your bankroll. Learn and Earn: The more you can learn about online gambling, horse racing and everything else to do with the industry, the more chance you'll have of winning. Read as many tips from respected horse racing pundits as possible and compare the market to build up a better idea of which horses are hot and which horses are not. How to Bet on Horse Racing Now that we've given you an insight into the finer points of the online horse racing industry it's time to send you off to make your fortune. However, before you venture off, here's an annual event you should look out for: The Melbourne Cup. Like the Grand National, the Derby and the Kentucky Derby, this is one of the top horse racing events of the year and one that can make you a lot of money. Featuring the best horses in the world and some fantastic betting lines, this race is certainly one you should look out for inside our recommended internet gambling sites.

Although we've given you a brief overview of how horse racing betting works, make sure you check out our dedicated section on it before you join some of the best racing sites in the world. Thanks to our industry knowledge and love of racing, we've been able to bring together the finest selection of racing platforms for you to ply your trade on. Not only are they certified as safe and secure, but these websites also give you the best racing bonuses on all the sport's major events, including the Melbourne Cup. So, if you're looking for a better place to bet, make sure you check out range of top racing sites. Related Guides 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby - TODAY.com Luke Sharrett / AFP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby Known as the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby horse race and the festivities around it are steeped in history, tradition, style and Kentucky bourbon. Here’s a look back at the Kentucky Derby over the years. 'Run for the Roses'!

A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of A love for the sport - Now in its 140th year, the Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horse race is known as the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” Everything about the Derby — including the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival that precedes it — is steeped in history, tradition, style and fine Kentucky bourbon. Here’s a look back at the Kentucky Derby over the years. On May 3, 1952, jockey Eddie Arcaro got a kiss from his mother Josephine after winning the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Arcaro celebrated his fifth Derby win that day. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Victory wave - Willie Shoemaker waves his cap from the horse Swaps after winning the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 1955. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'!

A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Carried away - A jubilant Katherine Price of Miami, Fla., leads her horse Carry Back from the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs after winning the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 1961. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Nixons and Reagans - Then-California Gov. Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy excitedly follow the progress of a horse running in the sixth race of the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 1969. Then-President Richard Nixon and first lady Pat Nixon can be seen alongside the Reagans in first row of the box. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of A muddy finish - Female jockey Diane Crump sports mud on her face and cap after riding the horse Right Sean in the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 1970. Diane Crump was the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'!

A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Good times - A happy fan in a fetching hat watches the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 1988. Getty Images / Getty Images 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Suspenseful day - Spectators are riveted as they watch the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 1988. Getty Images / Getty Images 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of This image provides a sweeping view of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 1988. Getty Images / Getty Images 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Winning moment - Jockey Pat Day greets the crowd after riding Lil E. Tee to victory at the 118th Kentucky Derby on May 2, 1992. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'!

A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Making a day of it - Fans talk, eat and rest on blankets at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1, 1993. Getty Images / Getty Images 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Cameo appearance - Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Lange watches the early races of the Kentucky Derby from Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs on May 6, 1995. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of A signature look - Linda Medley (left) of Birmingham, Ala., and Joy Ostrowski of Cleveland sport eye-catching headgear as they wait for the start of the Kentucky Derby in the paddock area at Churchill Downs on May 4, 1996. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Singer Jessica Simpson wears a colorful hat during Kentucky Derby festivities on May 1, 2004. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'!

A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of A prepared pair - Jim and Irene Levenberger of Shawano, Wis., look over a racing program in the paddock area at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2005 during the 131st Kentucky Derby. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Derby fever - Ernie Trent wears his personally designed Kentucky Derby hat at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2007. AFP-Getty Images / AFP-Getty Images 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Terrific topper - Angela Baker of Wellington, Fla., shows of a special hat at the 136th Kentucky Derby horse race on May 1, 2010. AP / AP 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Fun in the sun - Madelynne Myers of Louisville, Ky., sports a bold derby hat and enjoys time with her friends on the eve of the 137th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2011.

AFP -Getty Images / AFP -Getty Images 'Run for the Roses'! A look back at the 140-year-old Kentucky Derby of Ready for the rain - Desirae Masterson of Indianapolis, Ind., covers her hat in a plastic bag to protect it from the rain and enjoys a mint julep with her husband Ray before the running of the 139th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2013. AP / AP

Question: What horse race is known as 'The Run For The Roses'?
Answer: KENTUCKY DERBY